I think that's why the nylon nuts and bolts are so strongly recommended.

SC

I never gave it a second though. I just went ahead and ordered the nylon nuts and bolts before I even did the upgrades. I'm very glad I did.

It was not much of an effort to get the clips off but even though they looked good after removal I think the nuts and bolts secure the heatsink much better then the clips ever could. Best of all I have peace of mind that one of the clips won't come off if the mini gets bumped.

Also as the 2.33 CPU runs hotter then the original 1.83 mini was designed for I would not take a chance putting any old heatsink compound on it. This is why I elected to use the arctic silver.

I think that's why the nylon nuts and bolts are so strongly recommended.

SC

I never gave it a second though. I just went ahead and ordered the nylon nuts and bolts before I even did the upgrades. I'm very glad I did.

It was not much of an effort to get the clips off but even though they looked good after removal I think the nuts and bolts secure the heatsink much better then the clips ever could. Best of all I have peace of mind that one of the clips won't come off if the mini gets bumped.

Also as the 2.33 CPU runs hotter then the original 1.83 mini was designed for I would not take a chance putting any old heatsink compound on it. This is why I elected to use the arctic silver.

Where'd you order from? Any part number or specs on exactly what you got?

I FINALLY have everything upgraded and Leopard is installed. Tried to launch Garage Band lessons and was greeted with a lovely, "you need to have a dual core or better cpu to play" message. So now I need to upgrade sooner than expected. Would a stock T5600 fit without modification? I see one on eBay with a by it now at $75. I'm not interested in the T7200's. Just need a C2D._________________Game: eVGA 780i | C2D E8400 @ 3.8GHz | 2GB Muskin Extreme PC2 8500 | eVGA 8800GT | 150GB Raptor | 160GB WD

A bit late, as usual for me, but I just got around to replacing my old T2300 with a T7400. Threw in a 320GB 7200 RPM drive at the same time. Sold some stuff on eBay to justify buying since I'm not buying anything I don't need right now. Fairly simple install and all is working well! Great information in here, thanks!!!

Wow I've been away from this site for a while but just wanted to chime in that my Mini's going strong and never gave me any problems. I love it! I'm going to spend some time catcing up with everyone.

If you're still on the fence let me assure you, this is the best inexpensive option getting into the Mac world. Once you go Mac, you never go back! I don't regret my decision one bit

LaserCobra wrote:

I FINALLY have everything upgraded and Leopard is installed. Tried to launch Garage Band lessons and was greeted with a lovely, "you need to have a dual core or better cpu to play" message. So now I need to upgrade sooner than expected. Would a stock T5600 fit without modification? I see one on eBay with a by it now at $75. I'm not interested in the T7200's. Just need a C2D.

You might as well grab a T7400 or T7600 and call it day. Don't settle for the T5600 chip especially if it says you need more horsepower under the hood.

Trust me, the differences in these chip speeds will blow you away once you upgrade. It literally becomes a new computer before your eyes. Go for the gusto and upgrade your processor to the most speed you can get available._________________- 2.16Ghz Core 2 Duo Mac Mini, 2GB Kingston PC5300 DDR2 RAM (4-4-4-12 timings), 250GB WD 7200 RPM HDD =Blazing FAST

It took me half the time to do the upgrade as it did the first time around (now that I've had some practice) and it booted right up.

How long each time? I'm sure if I double the time it took you the first time, that will be about the time it takes me!

Grrrrrr, i hate this board! It makes me spend $$$. I bought a Hitachi 7K320 while shopping around at Newegg a couple of days ago. I just couldn't pass up the price. I already have one in my MacBook. I'll pick up a T7400 and wireless N card and do all three at once. I think that will take care of it, but is there anything else I should consider upgrading while I'm in there? I'd rather do it now then going back in later.

Thanks California! Now I have to go get an N wireless board...more $$$ geesh

I hope you guys don't see my other thread for the Elgato EyeTV HDTV upgrade....

let's just say my Mac also watches HDTV in 720P/1080P resolution and it is very NICE! Plan to spend another 100.00 or so if you see that thread haha_________________- 2.16Ghz Core 2 Duo Mac Mini, 2GB Kingston PC5300 DDR2 RAM (4-4-4-12 timings), 250GB WD 7200 RPM HDD =Blazing FAST